Our culture definitely equates wealth with success. Power and fame is desirable. But Pastor Tom shows us today that we most likely would be better off without any of the above. Jesus warned us that it was difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of Heaven, and we’ll see some of the reasons why when we unpack this message in James’ letter. It might just change our goals and even our prayers when we realize how huge the trap is that these things create.

Can you think of a group of people that have no hope with God? As Pastor Tom points out in his message today, the Scripture definitely sets up a harsh picture for those that James is addressing. The danger being revealed to them is intense, and imminent. We need to make sure that we are paying attention too, so that we don’t fall into the same trap and suffer the same fate. What sin has entangled these people? And how do we avoid it? Let’s listen in and find out.

Someone once asked me if money was an idol in my life, and I immediately thought, “Of course not!” Then he asked if I felt happier or more secure when my bank account had more money in it, and I realized I might have a slight issue with my faith. Pastor Tom shares today the dangers of wealth and power, and how we can be easily derailed by a love of money. Jesus was clear in saying that we cannot serve both God and money. Our devotion will be tied up in whatever we put our faith in.

How much time do you spend trying to figure out God’s will? Where you’ll live, what you’ll do for work, who you’ll marry. Pastor Tom shares from the book of James today that when we focus our attentions on those things, we will actually miss out on God’s knowable Will. It’s actually not as hard to decipher His Will as we tend to make it. We have easy access to God’s Will, and it’s up to us to hear and obey it. And when we do, God will be well pleased with us and receive glory,

Have you ever looked at the weather forecast and made plans based on the weather, only to have it change dramatically? Head to the beach, only to have a freak snowstorm whip in from the north? Well, Pastor Tom says that life can be like that, because God’s sovereign plan for us can be invisible to us. But God isn’t out there trying to pull a fast one on us at every turn. We can’t let circumstances dictate our interpretation of His will either. So, how do we plan our days? Good question.

It’s a well known fact that God has a plan for you, but do you know what it is? Pastor Tom will be discussing today some different aspects of God’s will. Which parts can we know for certain, as well as parts of His will that are to remain a mystery. Though we’d like to know exactly what’s coming our way in life, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plans for us are good. He has them in the palm of His hand. He’s in control, and that’s a good thing.

A pretty common practice in our world today is have a 5 or a 10 year plan, but Pastor Tom will show us that we can’t even know what tomorrow has in store for us. It’s not that having a plan is bad, in fact, it’s wise. We have to first realize that God is sovereign and He is the One that holds our future in His hands. It’s important that we recognize that our day to day is ordered by the Lord, and everything in our planning and speech should reflect that understanding.

You’re driving down the road and all of the sudden you hear the tell tale sign of a flat tire. Thankfully, you have a spare. You get it changed, but once back on the road, you hear the sound again. You’ve got another flat! It’s at this point that you probably realize that things aren’t going according to your plan for the day. Pastor Tom will share that sometimes even the best laid plans don’t work out, and it can be frustrating. He’ll be looking at the book of James and discussing how and how not to make our plans.

If you’ve ever watched or read crime stories, you’ll realize there’s a lot going on when it comes to being a judge and jury: weighing evidence and testimonies to piece everything together, and eventually coming to a hard fought decision. Pastor Tom shares with us today that we often don’t go through the painstaking efforts when it comes to making judgments over others. The only one who can see all the facts is God, which is why He is the only perfect One to sit in the the seat of Judge.

Do you struggle with pride? Do you believe that your opinions are right most of the time? Would others agree with those answers? Pastor Tom is going to challenge us today with a convicting look with how we tend to make judgments about others. He’s going to show us that when we slander or judge harshly, we actually are breaking the greatest commandment, and in effect, we judge God. It’s a sobering message we all need to hear.